If you’re a chronic doom scroller, you’ve probably seen your fair share of random people being arrested recently, but not in the way you think. It’s actually a fairly entertaining TikTok trend making the rounds across the internet, and although it’s not the most confusing one we’ve seen for a while, it’s got a few people stumped when it comes to replicating it.
For those of you that don’t recognise it, the “who will be taken by the police among us” videos are normally uploaded to a sped-up, squeaky version of George Michael’s hit tune, Careless Whisper. Still doesn’t ring a bell? Well, here’s a breakdown of the viral trend and how you can actually make your own, if you’re into that kind of thing.
So, here’s what the taken by police trend actually is
Despite its name, the TikTok trend isn’t actually about people getting arrested.
Thousands of users on the app are uploading their own photos to an AI filter which animates a police officer on screen. It’s a weirdly creepy concept, but the fake police officer then grabs a person in the picture and takes them away. It’s just as strange as it sounds, believe me.
@emporter4
It’s entirely random, so TikTok users have had plenty of fun sharing different images of their friends, families and celebrities to see which one of the group looks the most guilty. It’s like a roulette wheel of crime, and it’s so fun to predict who you think is about to get busted.
The filter also changes the faces of everyone in the photo, including people’s pets. They’re sat there looking shocked as Careless Whisper blasts in the background, which makes for a stupidly funny laugh when you’re scrolling through the sound at 2am.
Just to add to the chaos, the filter isn’t always entirely accurate, and plenty of people have ended up with videos of them boasting extra arms and legs after the fake arrest happens. Or, even worse, most of the dogs in the videos mutate into spooky looking humans.
@carawaltonx #aifilter im crying
officer said step to the side, he’s my man
One TikTok user’s video of the trend went totally viral for this exact reason. The fake officer strolls on over to arrest a happy looking couple, but the girlfriend legs it and the policeman just stands there and holds the boyfriend’s hand instead. He was obviously feeling a bit left out.
How to make your own version of the police TikTok trend
@zoemanleyyx #aifilter Always hoping on the au trends #aipoliceofficer #fypviralシ #fypv#fypシ゚ #whowillbetakenbypolice #policeaifilter
First things first, make sure you’ve got that squeaky Careless Whisper audio sat in your sounds folder somewhere. Every post that uses the filter seems to use the same song, even if it does drive you wild after a few minutes.
You can find the AI filter in CapCut, which is the app all the experienced TikTok girlies use to edit their videos. There are so many versions of it, so pop the word “police” in the search bar and pick whichever one takes your fancy.
The filter will prompt you to upload two photos, but make sure they’re the same. This is the before and after of the fake arrest, so the best pictures to use have two or more people in them. If you’ve ever considered which of your friends would be most likely to commit a heinous crime, then now’s your chance to find out.
Once you’ve picked out your photo, sit back and watch the magic happen. It takes a few seconds for the AI to apply the effects, but you’ll be left with a funny clip of your bestie being taken away by a very stern looking police officer.
Your video will be entirely animated, so you’ll be able to picture everyone’s real time reactions.
@pawmiscuous I’m dead
but she would def get taken first. #dogsoftiktok
Some TikTok users have even shared videos where multiple officers arrive on scene to confiscate their partner or dog, which is just downright hilarious.
The filter even generates the “who will be taken by police among us” caption for you, so your work is done!
If you need something to put into your group chat this week, then this is guaranteed to get the giggles going.
Featured images via TikTok @pawmiscuous @emporter4 @tayguess
